The season was canceled on February 22, 2008, because of the buyout of Champ Car by the rival IndyCar Series, resulting in the unification of American open-wheel racing.

Justin Wilson, out of a seat after RuSPORT closed its doors, was eventually signed by Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing to replace Bourdais, and was considered as the early favourite for the title.

The remaining six races were scheduled to be aired on ESPN2 on a same-day tape basis, except for the live broadcast of the Mexico season finale.

[8] The wheels of unification were set in motion again on February 7, as Robin Miller reported that a deal had finally been reached between series on similar terms to George's previous offer.

Champ Car owners indicated that media leaks had led to a standstill in the negotiations, but rumblings over the series' impending bankruptcy made the rounds.

The date conflict between the Indy Japan 300 and the Grand Prix of Long Beach was dealt with a salomonic resolution, as both races would be run as scheduled.

The Grand Prix of Edmonton was added to the IndyCar Series schedule as a regular round, while the Gold Coast Indy 300 was held as a non-championship race after the season finale before being discontinued.